> > Incidentally, electronic neural network computers designed to learn
> > continually [i.e., electronics that completely mimic the brain structure]
> > require dreaming in order to function. They can also have fairly
> > convincing analogs of the replay-life version of a near-death experience.
> > [some snippet in a 1995/1996 Scientific American]
>
> This is hogwash. Dreaming is not necessary in order for our minds
> to function.
Not that we're ever going to verify this:
Let's see you be awake for 72 hours continuously, without any chemical
boosting [caffiene, tea, coffee, diet pills, antihistamines, Dayquil as
stimulants. Ban hallucinogens, they get in dreaming automatically
[sic]. I also disallow the depressants, such as sleeping pills.]
Note that I mean *continuously*. Dozing off for 10 seconds disqualifies
the contestant.
If you actually can *do* this: you have just proven you are at risk for a
major mental illness! If you can actually do any creativity at all after
hour #30, you're doing better than anyone I've ever met in person,
including myself.
If you fail: I rest my case. Your body demanded dreaming so severely it
bashed you into taking it.
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/ Towards the conversion of data into information....
/
/ Kenneth Boyd
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